John Kovacs 85, of Holland Missouri passed away on Sunday October 21, 2023, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was born on October 14, 1938, in Alsoszolnok, Hungary, the son of Jancsi and Marie (Horvath) Kovacs.

John was born in Alsoszolnok, Hungary where he attended grammar school then graduated from High School in Szentgotthard, Hungary. During the cold war era John escaped from Hungary and lived in a refugee camp from November 56 - May 1957 in Austria, from there he came to the United States to live with his uncle Frank Kovacs and attended Devry Technical Institute in Chicago Illinois, and later he joined the United States Air Force on May 22, 1961, earning several ribbons and medals such as Marksmanship, National Defense Service Medal., Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Outstanding Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters, Republic Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm. Outstanding Unit award with Valor and Eight Oak Leaf Clusters and 23 years later retired as Senior Master Sergent from the United States Air Force. Then he worked and retired from the civil service after 15 years.

He enjoyed the simple life in the small town of Holland listening to the old & real country music such as Patsy Cline and Dottie West and working on lawn mowers. He was an avid bowler and was on many leagues thru the years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother Joe Kovacs.

Survivors are Phillis Kovacs of the home.

One Brother: Steve Kovacs of Germany

One Sister: Teresa (Razi) Kovacs of Alsoszolnok, Hungary

One daughter: Kristy Jackson and her husband Chuck of Hope Mills, NC

3 Grandchildren: Courtney Young and her husband Richie of Hope Mills, NC

Donovan Jackson and his wife Mandie of Hope Mills, NC

Chloe Jackson of Hope Mills, NC

5 Great Grandchildren: Everly, Natalia, Brayden, Amelia, & Hazelyn

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 2:30 pm at the John W. German Funeral Home in Steele, Missouri with Brother John Earl Dunavant officiating. Visitation was held the same day from 1:30 until time of service. Interment was at the Mount Zion Cemetery in Steele, Missouri.